Predicted Chelsea XI to face Liverpool: Mauricio Pochettino set to hand several debuts for Premier League opener

Mauricio Pochettino will name his first Chelsea XI in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea open their 2023/24 account this weekend as they welcome Jurgen Klopp side to west London. 

It was a positive pre-season for Chelsea during their tour of the USA. They remained unbeaten with three wins and two draws.

Chelsea will be looking to improve on their dismal campaign last time out which saw them finish 12th in the league.

Pochettino has six injuries to contend with though, with Marcus Bettinelli, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Armando Broja and Christopher Nkunku all sidelined. 

Full debuts could be handed to Robert Sanchez, who signed from Brighton as Kepa Arrizabalaga closes in on a loan move to Real Madrid, Levi Colwill and Nicolas Jackson. Meanwhile, Ian Maatsen impressed during pre-season and will be pushing for a start. 

Nicolas Jackson is set to lead the line for Chelsea against Liverpool. Reece James will captain the side for the first time since being confirmed as Cesar Azpilicueta’a successor. Enzo Fernandez will begin in midfield.

Pochettino has outlined his expectations for his Chelsea side, which he believes still needs adding to and refining, for the 2023/24 season.

“We are working really hard to try to finish and close the squad,” admitted the 51-year-old.

“We know the market, it would help to finish all the business before the season. Every single club is like this. I am positive. We need to win. We cannot start the pre-season thinking we win if we bring players or finish the squad. If we don’t we are not going to win. No, the mentality is different.

“I’m so happy with the way the players are working. We have enough quality to win games and be where we want to be. It’s about belief, working really hard. I have no doubt that with the help of our fans and the quality of the players we can win games no doubt.”

Predicted Chelsea XI to face Liverpool: Sanchez, James, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell, Enzo, Gallagher, Sterling, Chukwuemeka, Mudryk, Jackson